Sometimes, the mentally ill need a little push

Recently I wrote a letter to the editor of the Daily Record entitled, "Homeless Need More Than Just Housing."

In that piece I mentioned that I had experienced supportive housing with services as part of my contract for housing. I did not mind this. I think it helped me move forward in my recovery.

It is believed in a number of quarters that services must be completely voluntary to be effective, that if made part of the housing contract that it is "force." I disagree. I think when mental health treatment is indicated but not given I think there is a revolving cycle - which I witnessed when I worked in the mental health field - with individuals just existing until unstabilizing to being hospitalized and back to existing. There is no growth because treatment is needed but is refused.

Finally, I think the treatment of the mentally ill has gone from one extreme of severe discrimination to another extreme of not seeking accountability and responsibility.

I have a car; if I don't make monthly payments, I will lose the privilege of having my car. It is my choice to make freely. I think it is the same with having the wonderful opportunity of supportive housing coupled with responsibility connected with this blessing. And no, I don't consider asking for valid responsibility to be "force."

Valerie Fox

PARSIPPANY

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Sometimes, the mentally ill need a little push

Recently I wrote a letter to the editor of the Daily Record entitled, 'Homeless Need More Than Just Housing.'

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